Interior Design with Kandrac and Kole Kandrac & Kole Interior Design

Design schools tend to focus on the creative process in interior design, but fall short when it comes to teaching the business side of the industry. In this episode of Inside Design, our incredibly talented friend and colleague, Kate Lester, shares valuable insights to help you run a more successful design business.
Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve??
Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube
Key Takeaways:
1. Get at least 5 years of real world experience before you even THINK of going out on your own. Make mistakes on someone else’s dime first. 
2. If your scope of work is very fluid and your efficiency is at the mercy of others (i.e. contractors), billing hourly vs flat fee is the smarter way to go. 
3. Above all, stay in your lane and remain true to yourself no matter what your creative peers are doing! 
SPONSOR: Norwalk Furniture
Norwalk builds heirloom quality furniture rather than landfill quality furniture. You know what that is also called? Sustainable! Doing their part to create healthy homes and environments is a core principle at Norwalk and we want to be a part of that. 
Unlike many other manufacturers, Norwalk has a particularly fabulous array of patterns and bright, fun fabrics to partner with performance fabrics, leathers, and textures like boucle and velvet. 
If you are in the Trade, you really must be sourcing Norwalk Furniture. Check out their website – norwalkfurniture.com and especially their 360-Design tool to help visualize pieces. They are shipping in under 8 weeks! 
KANDRAC & KOLE BIO
Voted one of “Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US. 
Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy. 
In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.” This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, “The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly,” in 2024.
Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.
KATE LESTER BIO
Kate Lester is the creative director and CEO of Kate Lester Interiors & Kate Lester HOME. With a diversely talented design team in her studio, and two retail stores in Southern California, Kate is thrilled to be spreading her unique design vision with the masses. Her style ethos is all about creating spaces that weave classic lines, vintage finds, modern moments, and an infusion of at least “one weird thing.”
Kate attended USC’s prestigious Marshall School of Business and went on to study Design and Architecture at Otis College in Los Angeles. Her industry experience includes working for some of Hollywood’s most famous designers before launching her own firm in 2010.
Thriving at the intersection of livable luxury, humor, and realism, Kate believes that the homes she designs should always be carefully crafted, thoughtfully curated, and a direct reflection of the people who inhabit them.
When not designing, Kate can be found in Southern California dragging her family to flea markets, running on the beach, or hesitantly participating in a plethora of extreme sports with her extremely persuasive (and brave) husband and daughter.
FUNNY QUOTE:
“I am not that friend who will tell you to stop travelling to save m

Welcome to the Inside Scoop where we will uncover the charm and beauty of one of America’s jewels and the most beloved cities, Charleston, South Carolina. In this short episode we will guide you through the city. Consider it “A Day in Charleston with Joann & Kelly.”

Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube
Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve
 
KANDRAC & KOLE BIO
Voted one of “Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US.
Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.
In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.” This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, “The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly,” in 2024.
Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.
https://www.facebook.com/kandracandkole/
https://www.instagram.com/kandrackole/ 

https://twitter.com/KandracKole 

https://www.pinterest.com/kandrackole/

In this episode, award-winning landscape designer and horticulturist Wambui Ippolito highlights essential links between outdoor and indoor design. “It’s the garden, the person, and the way that person lives.”
Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve?

Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Design is about the “totality” of a project. Bridging the inside and the outside creates the experience.
2.  If you don’t know where to begin gardening, planting herbs such as sage, lavender and rosemary is a good place to start.
3. Nature is a great healer and having a beautiful garden creates a feeling of peace and calm.
SPONSOR – This episode is sponsored by Thibaut Design. Established in 1886, they are the oldest continuously operating wallpaper company in the United States. Need wallcovering, fabric, or trim in a pinch? Thibaut maintains industry-leading inventory levels in their state-of-the-art Charlotte, North Carolina distribution center. With 95% of products in stock at all times, Thibaut account holders enjoy speedy shipments, with in-stock items shipping in two days. Make sure to go to their website and click the inspiration link and check out their amazing room styles!! To open a Thibaut trade account, visit www.thibautdesign.com/trade/podcast.
KANDRAC & KOLE BIO
Voted one of “Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US.
Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.
In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.” This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, “The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly,” in 2024.
Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala. 
WAMBUI IPPOLITO BIO
Wambui Ippolito is an award-winning landscape designer and horticulturist who in 2021 was named one of “11 Revolutionary Female Landscape Designers and Architects Everyone Should Know" by Veranda Magazine.
Heavily influenced by her early years in Kenya and a life filled with worldwide travel, Wambui has become one of the most sought-after garden designers in the country. In addition to her landscape design work, she lectures widely both in the United States and internationally.
Wambui specializes in fine estate gardening, with an emphasis on designing for humans and their pets. She views Nature as the greatest healer and seeks to make her gardens elegant and curative. Wambui is also a trained horticulturist, having graduated from the New York Botanical Garden’s School of Professional Horticulture.
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
https://www.facebook.com/kandracandkole/
https://www.instagram.com/kandrackole/ 

https://twitter.com/KandracKole 
https://www.pinterest.com/kandrackole/ 
QUOTES
1. Funny quote: “Once you’ve seen a woman take her bra off without removing her shirt, it makes sense why they should be in charge of things.” – @thisislibertyroad on Insta
2. Serious quote: “I am woman – hear me roar!... Nature gives to us all in equal measure.” – Wambui Ippolito

We have always followed the mantra – CREATE, COLLABORATE AND CELEBRATE. So in this episode of “The Inside Scoop,” we are celebrating other podcasts by letting you know some of our favorites. We encourage you to listen to them – we will share more in our next episode of “The Inside Scoop.”
Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube
Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve
BIO
Voted one of "Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers" by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the U.S.
Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.
In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole. This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, "The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly," in 2024.
Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
https://www.facebook.com/kandracandkole/
https://www.instagram.com/kandrackole/
https://twitter.com/KandracKole
https://www.pinterest.com/kandrackole/

People often ask us how we start a project and where the inspiration for a design comes from. When designing kitchens and baths, the inspiration often comes from a tile that we have fallen in love with. Today we are going to talk all things tile with our guest Ryan Fasan, who is a Technical Consultant and Ceramic Tile Specialist with Tile of Spain. We are in good hands with Ryan today and excited to talk to him about the latest in tile trends in preparation for the upcoming Coverings Expo held in Atlanta in April, which we will both attend.
Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve?

Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube
Key Takeaways:
Green and blue tiles are still a fan favorite as the pandemic driven trend of connectivity with nature remains hot. Plan ahead during the construction/renovation phase when using large format tiles to avoid unnecessary cutting of tiles. Did you know that beautiful textured and colorful patterns can be digitized on to tile?  SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Currey & Company, an Atlanta-based, second-generation family owner-producer of beautiful residential and contract lighting, in-stock case goods and upholstery, and a broad range of statement-making accessories.
If you are attending High Point Market, Currey & Company is an absolute must on your agenda! They will be showcasing 300 new introductions to this market including several chandeliers made with green bottle glass that we are very excited about. They always have a great lunch and much-needed cocktails to accompany a long list of book signings, parties and — this Spring — a pop-up with Threads, a new high-end pillow line. 
Most importantly, Currey has a brand-new website with tons of new features! Just a few that we will definitely be using are the true freight calculator, a configurator for the multi-drop pendants, multiple ways to search and also the ability to make project boards. 
So check out our dear friends and our go-to source at curreyandcompany.com. 
BIO – KANDRAC & KOLE
Voted one of “Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US.
Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.
In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.” This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, “The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly,” in 2024.
Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.
BIO – RYAN FASAN
Tile of Spain Technical Consultant and Ceramic Tile Specialist
 
Ryan Fasan has more than twenty-seven years’ experience in the ceramic tile industry. His divergent arena of experience comes from showroom and architectural sales with a major distributor; in the architectural design sector as a hard-surface specification consultant; as an installer trained under master European tile-setters; in product design and creative direction with a Canadian manufacturer operating production teams in Asia, EU & USA. He currently runs his own specialty construction company providing custom solutions in Vancouver, Canada. This hands-on learning has given Ryan a uniquely encompassing command of all aspects of the ceramic tile industry. 


Currently, Ryan is a techn

As Michael Kors quoted “I’ve always thought of accessories as the exclamation point of a woman’s outfit!”
and dear Iris Apfel said, “Jewelry is the most transformative thing you can wear.”
So, with those quotes in mind, we are here to tell you about a brand we
love for many reasons, Sheila Fajl Jewelry. https://shop.sheilafajl.com 
Stay tuned for a code for 15% off for our listeners!
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G7kSTnKcCBo?rel=